I'll watch pretty much anything Lucy Lawless appears in. From her iconic turn as Xena: Warrior Princess to scene-stealing work in Spartacus and beyond, she has always had a magnetic screen presence. Somehow, despite being on the air since 2019, My Life Is Murder slipped under my radar. Coming into Series 5 as a relative newcomer, all I can say is: where has this show been hiding?
Arriving on DVD from Acorn Media International, My Life Is Murder: Series 5 proves exactly why the Australian-New Zealand mystery series has become such a reliable international hit. Across eight episodes, the show delivers clever standalone mysteries, genuinely likable characters and a breezy sense of fun that makes it incredibly easy to binge.
Lawless returns as private investigator Alexa Crowe, a former detective whose sharp instincts and refusal to back down make her the perfect leading lady for this type of series. What immediately stands out is how effortlessly she carries the show. Alexa is intelligent, funny, stubborn, and compassionate without ever feeling like a collection of television detective clichés.
Series 5 drops Alexa into another collection of unusual murder cases. The season explores everything from suspicious aquariums and elite cheerleading squads to creepy dolls and deadly island retreats. The mysteries are inventive enough to keep viewers guessing while remaining approachable and entertaining rather than grim or overly dark.
One of the show's greatest strengths is its supporting cast. Alexa's tech-savvy assistant Madison remains an indispensable partner, while café owner Reuben continues to provide warmth and humour throughout the season. Detective Harry serves as a dependable ally, and Martin Henderson's return as Alexa's troublemaking brother Will adds another welcome layer of family drama. Even Chowder the cat earns a few memorable moments along the way.
What makes My Life Is Murder stand out in an increasingly crowded mystery landscape is its tone. Many crime dramas seem determined to make audiences miserable. This series understands that murder mysteries can still be entertaining. It balances intriguing cases with character-driven humour and genuine heart, creating something that feels closer to comfort television than prestige gloom.
The season's larger emotional thread revolves around Alexa reconnecting with former police partner Jesse, forcing her to confront some lingering personal questions. It gives Lawless opportunities to explore a more vulnerable side of the character without losing the confidence and wit that define Alexa Crowe.
As a DVD release, this is exactly the sort of show physical media collectors should appreciate. Episodic mystery series remain among the most rewatchable programs on television, and there is something satisfying about having all eight episodes on the shelf rather than hoping they remain available on a streaming service indefinitely. For fans who have followed Alexa's adventures from the beginning, Series 5 is an easy recommendation. For newcomers like me, it's also a surprisingly accessible jumping-on point.
The biggest compliment I can give My Life Is Murder is that it made me want to go back and watch the previous four seasons immediately. That's a testament both to the strength of the show's formula and to Lucy Lawless, who remains one of television's most effortlessly watchable performers.
My Life Is Murder: Series 5 is funny, charming, consistently engaging, and packed with entertaining mysteries. Whether you're already invested in Alexa Crowe's adventures or discovering the series for the first time, this DVD release is well worth picking up.
Jessie Hobson